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The magpie. [Prov.Eng.] Jay piet (Zoöl.), the European jay. [Prov.Eng.] -- Sea piet (Zoöl.), the oyster catcher. [Prov.Eng.]

A representation of the dead Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary or by holy women and angels. Mollett.

The principle or practice of the Pietists.

lass of religious reformers in Germany in the 17th century who sought to revive declining piety in the Protestant churches; -- often applied as a term of reproach to those who make a display of religious feeling. Also used adjectively.

Of or pertaining to the Pietists; hence, in contempt, affectedly or demonstratively religious. Addison.

fter stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble.

his character; loving obedience to the will of God, and earnest devotion to his service. Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man. Rambler.

The quality of being impious; want of piety; irreverence toward the Supreme Being; ungodliness; wickedness.

s to lend money at a low rate of interest to poor people in need; -- called also mount of piety. The institution has been adopted in other countries, as in Spain and France. See Lombard-house.

See 1st Sea pie.

The water ousel.

to hate in the highest degree, as if with religious dread; loathe; as, to abominate all impiety.

rom the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst of all impieties. I. Taylor.

Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security. It [piety] is the right ballast of prosperity. Barrow. Ballast engine, a steam engine used in excavating and for digging and raising stones and gravel for ballast. -- Ship in ballast, a ship carring only ballast.

A state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. Thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts viii. 23.

Dissolution; degeneration; decay. [R.] Sad catalysis and declension of piety. Evelyn.

The act of composing, or that which is composed; a composition. [Obs.] Signor Pietro, who had an admirable way both of composure [in music] and teaching. Evelyn.

Following by consequence; consequent; deducible. [R.] "Consectary impieties." Sir T. Browne.

untenance. Ps. xxi. 6. This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice. Atterbury.

r or judge; a caviler; a carper. When an author has many beauties consistent with virtue, piety, and truth, let not little critics exalt themselves, and shower down their ill nature. I. Watts. You know who the critics are the men who have failed in literature and art. Beaconsfield.